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Feb 20 Craig Singer

Author Interview - Craig Singer

Author I draw inspiration from: For me, there isn't one particular author I think about this way. I do often enjoy unconventional narrative styles and tales that engage my brain as well as my heart. Kurt Vonnegut and Donna Tartt come to mind, just to name a couple.

Favorite place to read a book: Reclined on a comfy couch. A contented cat or dog on my lap is a nice bonus.

Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: I don't think I've ever thought about a fictional character in this way. But there are lots of real people I'd love to share a panicked hour with in a claustrophobic little box dangling precariously by a cable. Since it's an impossible fantasy anyway, how about a dead real person? A bit of time with John Lennon would be an amazing encounter.

The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I don't think I ever had that moment. Writing chose me, not the other way around.

Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperback! I like the feel of a real book, but hardbacks can be unwieldy.

The last book I read: A History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani. It's not fiction, but it is incredibly rich in narrative and insights. I think reading non-fiction now and then, especially well-written histories and biographies, is a useful exercise for good fiction writing.

Pen & paper or computer: Computer. I do too much editing along the way for pen and paper. What a mess I would make!

Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Well again, I don't think about fictional characters this way. Is that weird for an author to say? Probably it is. Getting back to real but dead people, I have a feeling I would get along great with Carrie Fisher. I saw her in Baltimore a few years ago, performing her one-woman show "Wishful Drinking." Anybody with her combination of hilarious sarcasm and genuine compassion has to be an awesome human being. I highly recommend her books - also not fiction, but so entertaining. Thank God we had Carrie on this earth. Just not long enough.

If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: physician. No wait, I am a physician. Funny how that worked out.

Favorite decade in fashion history: I don't know the exact time period, but whenever it became acceptable to wear tee-shirts and jeans almost everywhere. Because that's 90% of my wardrobe. If I need to dress up a little more, then it's a polo shirt instead of a tee-shirt. Even dressier? Hmm, at that point, I probably don't belong at whatever event is going on anyway. I own one versatile suit for weddings and funerals.

Place I’d most like to travel: I'm very fortunate that my husband and I have managed to set foot on all 7 continents. But we haven't made it to Egypt yet. Who doesn't like pyramids? They're way cool-looking and maybe built by aliens.

My signature drink: Vodka martini. No vermouth, no olives, no nothing. Yep, at that point it's just cold vodka in a fancy glass.

Favorite artist: I'm going with musical artists here, because I love music even more than I love books. And instead of one, I'll name three. Old school - Stevie Wonder. (If you've never listened to "Songsin the Key of LIfe" from start to finish, please do!) New school - Adele. (I'm so glad she quit smoking. I know she said it made her voice weaker, but I want to heat that awesome voice for a very long time!) Bright future - George Ezra. (That boy can flat-out sing. Just imagine a duet with him and Adele! Wow! How do we make that happen?)

Number one on my bucket list: I would love to become fluent in a second language. Spanish would be easiest for me, since I studied it in high school and college. But really, any language would do. French, German, Japanese. Klingon. I think that being able to communicate with other human beings (or aliens) in their own language would be so cool. And learning another language probably opens up a person's brain to all kinds of new possibilities. Also, you would impress the heck out of your friends. (Plus make new friends!)

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